Tom Cleverley signs long-term deal with Watford as loan move is made permanent

31 March 2017, 12:36

Watford have announced midfielder Tom Cleverley's loan spell from Everton will be made into a permanent transfer.

Watford have announced midfielder Tom Cleverley's loan spell from Everton will be made into a permanent transfer.

Cleverley has signed a five-year deal with the Hornets, moving for an undisclosed fee, with the transfer to be formalised from July 1.

The 27-year-old England international joined Watford in January on loan until the end of the season and he has made eight appearances for the Hornets.

He also had a successful loan spell at Vicarage Road during the 2009-10 campaign while on Manchester United's books, scoring 11 times in 33 matches.

Cleverley told watfordfc.com: " I'm delighted. I think I made it clear I had feelings for the club when I came down here on loan and it was always the view to sign a permanent deal, so I'm over the moon.

"I felt part of the club from day one of the loan but now I really feel this is home and hopefully it is for a very long time."

Watford chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "We are very pleased to secure Tom's signature. I believe it's a sign of our ambition to recruit the highest calibre of player for Watford.

"Tom's affinity with the club and supporters has been very clear from the moment he returned, and we now look forward to seeing him in a Watford shirt for many years to come."

Watford are 14th in the Premier League, seven points above the relegation zone, and are at home to last-placed Sunderland this weekend.